F1 team Sauber has announced that Paul Aron will make his F1 weekend debut as he steps into Nico Hulkenberg’s C45 during the British Grand Prix FP1. The Swiss team have struck a loan deal with Alpine for the Estonian’s services. Aron is currently the French team’s reserve driver.
Paul Aron is all set to take part in his first two FP1 sessions with Sauber. Firstly in Silverstone and then later in Budapest.
“Estonia’s Paul Aron will be making his Free Practice debut with Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber at the upcoming British Grand Prix, with a further FP1 appearance planned for the Hungarian Grand Prix later this summer, following an agreement with BWT Alpine Formula One Team for his driving services,” read the official statement by Sauber.
Sauber does not have a designated reserve driver for the 2025 F1 season. Hence, they have bought Aron on loan from Alpine. This is because each F1 team needs to field rookies in two free practice sessions per car starting in 2025. Since Gabriel Bortoleto is already a rookie, Sauber only needs to worry about the other car. Aron’s two sessions in the UK and then Hungary will take care of the required quota.
Aron is part of the large pool of Alpine test and reserve driver, having signed a deal in November 2024. He previously drove an F1 car when he was called up by his current employers for the 2024 post-season test in Abu Dhabi.
Paul Aron – Journey to F1
Paul Aron was born in the Estonian capital of Tallinn on February 4, 2004. The 21-year-old began karting at the age of 8, and quickly made it up the ranks.
After spending six years in karting, Aron first got an opportunity to drive in the Italian F4 championship in 2019. By 2023, he had already made his way to F3, driving for Prema. A strong third-placed finish in the championship earned him a place into the 2024 F2 championship.
Aron also finished third in F2 last year, driving for Hitech. Team owner Oliver Oakes became team principal at Alpine towards the end of the 2024 season, and Aron ended up signing on as a reserve driver for the Enstone-based outfit.
Aron also made his Formula E debut in 2024. The Estonian driver subbed in for Envision Racing driver Sebastien Buemi for two races.
Now, he is one of Alpine’s reserve drivers, alongside Jack Doohan, Kush Maini and Ryo Hirakawa. The French team has already substituted Doohan out for Franco Colapinto this year. They are allowed to bring in only one more additional driver this year. Colapinto’s five-race deal expired in Austria, but the Argentine is set to continue his stint in the seat.
But Flavio Briatore’s driver rotation policy could yet see Aron get a shot at one of the seats at the French team this year.
